Tips for Easy Delivery of a Baby

by
AMY KAMINSKY Last Updated: Oct 14, 2015

Amy Kaminsky

Amy Kaminsky worked as a television producer, producing programming for networks including Home and Garden Television and The Animal Planet. Kaminsky also produced pharmaceutical training videos for a national retail drug chain to update pharmacists on topics including vitamins, supplements and pharmacist-patient relations. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mass communications and is working toward her Master of Arts degree in communication studies.

Preparing for childbirth is one way to make the experience easier.Photo Credit pojoslaw/iStock/Getty Images

Overview

Every mom has a different experience in the labor and delivery room. Some women opt for anesthesia, usually in the form of an epidural; while others turn away from pain-reducing medications, preferring to feel the entire experience. Some women require a caesarean section for the health of the mother or the baby. If you are delivering your baby vaginally, there are tips to make child birth easier, even if you want to experience every contraction.

Switch Positions

If you are experiencing discomfort during childbirth, talk to your physician or midwife about switching positions. Instead of the traditional delivery position of lying on your back, try standing. Use your partner or birthing coach for physical support and let gravity help you and your baby. The website Pregnancy Info 911 claims that standing helps dilate your cervix, widening the pelvic opening.

Sitting is another birthing position that may make delivery a little easier. Relax one knee, but bend the other. Lean back just a bit, possibly against your partner or coach. Pregnancy Info 911 recommends sitting to help release pressure from your diaphragm.

Don’t hesitate to ask the medical professionals with you to recommend different positions that may suit your individual situation.

Assisted Delivery

If baby has almost made his debut, but needs a little extra help, your doctor may suggest assisted delivery. This is the use of special obstetric instruments to make things a little easier. One tool is forceps. The website American Pregnancy describes forceps as a tong-like tool with loops on the sides. Forceps tenderly turn the baby’s head to help guide him through the birth canal.

Another instrument your doctor may turn to is the vacuum extractor. This tool rests on the baby’s head and gently suctions to help him slide the rest of the way through the birth canal.

American Pregnancy explains that these tools are used for several reasons. After nine months of pregnancy and hours of labor, you may be tired and need some extra help. The doctor may also be concerned that the baby isn’t receiving enough oxygen or isn’t in an ideal position for a simple delivery.

Be Prepared

In all the excitement of buying booties or painting the nursery the perfect hue, don’t forget to prepare for labor and delivery. Read books or magazines to prepare you for everything that is going to happen in the hospital or birthing room. Ask your doctor or midwife to walk you through the process. Many hospitals offer birthing classes that teach you the best positions for labor and delivery, show you videos of other deliveries and even simulate birthing situations. Ask other mothers to share their experiences and advice.

Pregnancy Today also suggests creating a birth plan. Talk with your partner or birthing coach about how you want to handle any situation that might arise. Write the information down and pack it in your bag. If things get tense in the delivery room, you will have your well thought-out decisions to some tough choices ready.

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